Press Releases and Statements

The statement below is issued by Rabbi Joshua Weinberg, President of ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, on behalf of ARZA and the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ):

The deadly escalation of violence in Gaza should be of deep concern to all who strive for peace in the region. Nearly 200 rockets and other projectiles have been launched from Gaza into Israel, injuring dozens and sending tens of thousands of Israelis as far inland as Ashkelon into bomb shelters. No nation can or should be expected to allow such attacks.

From Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Rabbi Joshua Weinberg: We are astonished, angered, and outraged by the interrogation by Israeli police of Rabbi Dov Haiyun yesterday morning. We stand in solidarity with the thousands of protesters who have raised their voices against this attack on religious freedom.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the statement below about Israel’s controversial Nation-State law:

This is a sad and unnecessary day for Israeli democracy. The damage that will be done by this new Nation-State law to the legitimacy of the Zionist vision and to the values of the state of Israel as a democratic—and Jewish—nation is enormous.

We join with our Israeli brothers and sisters, the worldwide family of the Jewish people, and friends of Israel everywhere, to mark with joy the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the statement below in response to recent violence in Gaza: The ongoing escalation on the Gazan border is tragic and dangerous for both Israelis and Palestinians.